HBO: Why did you want to make the film?
Gayle Kirschenbaum: I was a single career woman living in Los Angeles when Chelsea unexpectedly came into my life. We mutually rescued each other. Chelsea from neglect, and me from a need to nurture. I was often on the road working as a television producer and felt that I couldn't have a dog because of my life style. Fate brought Chelsea to me. It was love at first site. She stared into my eyes and she knew she had me. I couldn't bear to leave her alone at home so I ended up taking her everywhere. She is not a barker so I was and am able to hide her in a doggie bag. She went on shoots, blind dates, to restaurants, movies, theater. We've been on planes, trains and automobiles together. This led to many funny, shared adventures. I had an idea for a television series. Chelsea agreed to shoot a promo and insisted I have a doggie cam built for her to include life from her point of view. We hit the streets of New York and before I knew it we attracted much attention and I realized we had more than just a promo but a movie. Chelsea is a healing and special canine, and she has not only touched my life but all those she comes in contact with.

HBO: Who built the doggy cam?
Gayle Kirschenbaum: It was built by Mitch Wagonberg. He is a major dog lover.

HBO: Why are dogs so essential to humans?
Gayle Kirschenbaum: They give unconditional love, they can help heal us, and they have a power that is indescribable.

HBO: What was the greatest discovery you made by the end of the process?
Gayle Kirschenbaum: The value of the human/canine bond and the importance of helping others. In the midst of shooting this film which began as funny and quirky -- SEX AND THE CITY meets BEST IN SHOW -- 9/11 happened and we live downtown right on the river. Chelsea and I were out there and it was clear to both of us that we had to throw off the doggiecam and help those who were now suffering. I learned the Red Cross was only allowing certified therapy dogs into the triages so Chelsea got certified immediately. Therapy dogs are the third category of working dogs. They are comfort animals who bring love to people. They have done studies and found that people with dogs live longer. I knew that Chelsea had the right personality to be a therapy dog. We worked for six months at the Family Assistance center which was a converted pier. When that closed we began to volunteer at St. Vincents Hospital in Greenwich Village. That's when she took a woman out of coma. She started barking from my arms to the woman. I put her down right next to her and Chelsea barked until the woman opened up her eyes. She came alive for the next several days and was sitting up in a chair. She and her daughter had resolution in their relationship and then the woman passed away. I was told Chelsea gave this woman permission to die. I then found a population where people are near death and that's when we found Cabrini Hospice. That's where we volunteer now. Albert Maysles, the legendary filmmaker, came on board to shoot that portion of the film. I learned that the most important thing in life is to give love and love will come back. I'm also incredibly grateful for all the help I received from so many people in making this film. So many donated their time since we had a shoestring budget and contributed to completing this film.

HBO: What do hope audiences will take away from the film?
Gayle Kirschenbaum: I hope audiences will have been both entertained and moved. I believe that laughter is a key to healing and need I say that our canine companions are key to healing, too! Also, I'd like to encourage people to not only consider rescuing a dog or animal, but also if their pet has the right character to encourage people to do pet therapy. I can't explain how rewarding it is to go in with your dog and see how much he or she helps not only the sick but also their loved ones. I think Chelsea and I get as much if not more out of it than those we visit.